What Are New Hampshire Marriage Records?

New Hampshire marriage records are official documents that confirm the lawful union of two individuals in the state. County and town clerks began collecting these records in the early 1600s, with statewide registration beginning in 1866 and fully implemented by 1905.

In New Hampshire, there are two widely recognized and requested types of marriage records: marriage licenses and marriage certificates. Both records contain essential details, such as the full names of the individuals involved, the date of the marriage, and the location where the marriage occurred.

A marriage certificate is a legal document issued after the marriage ceremony and must be forwarded to the appropriate agency for registration, as specified under New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated (NH RSA) Section 5-C:42. On the other hand, a marriage license is a document that grants permission for the marriage to take place.

These records are needed when applying for loans, mortgages, joint bank accounts, or legal name changes.

Are Marriage Certificates Public Records?

In New Hampshire, marriage certificates are private and confidential if they are 50 years old or less from the time the record was created, as outlined in NH RSA Section 5-C:105.

Public agencies, whether at the state or local level, can only disclose these records to individuals with a direct and tangible interest, such as the registrant, their immediate family, or a legal representative like an attorney.

However, marriage certificates older than 50 years are considered public records. In this case, anyone from the public can access the records and the information they contain, such as the names of the spouses, marriage date, location, and officiant's name.

How To Look Up Marriage Records in New Hampshire?

The New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration (NHDVRA), overseen by the New Hampshire Secretary of State (NHSOS), serves as the primary repository for statewide marriage records. Marriage records are also maintained by town and county clerk's offices.

As a closed record state, New Hampshire restricts access to such records only to individuals with a direct and tangible interest. Marriage records can be obtained through online services, mail requests, or in-person visits.

How To Search Marriage Certificates?

New Hampshire marriage certificates are available in two forms: certified copies and uncertified copies.

Certified copies are official documents printed on secure paper with an embossed seal and authorized signatures. They are legally valid for official purposes, such as applying for spousal benefits or verifying marital status for immigration proceedings.

Uncertified copies, however, are printed on plain paper without an embossed seal and are best suited for non-official uses, such as maintaining personal archives, crafting detailed family trees, or verifying historical records.

Here's how to obtain certified copies of marriage certificates in the state:

Online

Authorized third-party vendors, such as VitalChek and EB2Gov, collaborate with New Hampshire government agencies to facilitate secure and efficient purchasing of certified marriage certificates online.

When ordering copies through these platforms, individuals must provide the following details:

• Full names of both spouses
• Place of marriage
• Relationship to the registrant
• Reason for requesting the certificate
• Requestor's name, address, and contact information

Uploading a valid government-issued photo ID is mandatory. Both VitalChek and EB2Gov charge additional processing and shipping fees, along with the $15 per-copy search fee set by the state. Payments are made via credit card.

Orders are typically processed within 2–3 business days, but delays may occur due to research, printing, and document preparation.

By Mail

To request certified copies of New Hampshire marriage certificates by mail, follow these steps:

Processing mail requests typically takes up to 20 business days from receipt.

• Visit the NHSOS NHDVRA's "Request for Certificates" page.
• Complete the "Application for a Certified Copy of a Vital Record" form.
• Provide these required details on the application form:
  • Names of the parties involved
  • Date of marriage or civil union
  • Place of marriage
  • City or town where the marriage certificate was filed
  • Applicant details
• Include a legible copy of a government-issued picture ID, such as a passport or driver's license. If the ID does not show the mailing address, include one of the following documents as proof of mailing address:
  • Utility bill
  • Lease agreement
  • Car registration
• If no photo ID is available, complete the "Documentary Evidence Required" formwith photocopies of two approved documents listed on the form. In case proof of mailing address is unavailable, submit a notarized statement from the registrant or record owner authorizing the requestor to access the record at a specified mailing address. Use the "Assignment of Access to a New Hampshire Vital Record" form for this purpose.
• Prepare a check or money order for $15, payable to "Treasurer-State of New Hampshire". Additional copies of the same certificate cost $10 each.
• Include a self-addressed, pre-stamped return envelope to expedite the delivery of the certificate.
• Mail the completed form, all required documents, and payment to:

Alternatively, individuals may request certified copies of certificates by mail directly from the city or town clerk's office. The procedures, requirements, forms, and fees are the same as discussed above, but the application, documents, and payment must be sent to the specific city or town clerk's office.

In-Person

Individuals can also obtain certified copies in person by visiting the NHDVRA office located in Concord or any New Hampshire town or city clerk's office.

Requestors must bring all required documents, provide accurate information, and pay the applicable fees. Most in-person requests are processed immediately on the same day.

How To Search Marriage Licenses?

Requestors can obtain certified copies of marriage licenses from any town or county clerk's office in New Hampshire, regardless of where the license was originally issued. These offices maintain records for all marriages that occurred in New Hampshire from 1960 to the present.

The requirements are the same across towns and counties. Requestors must complete a request or order form, provide valid photo identification, submit additional required documents if applicable, and pay the $15 search fee.

However, the available options may vary by county or town.

For instance, aside from their in-person and mail methods, the Manchester City Clerk's Office accepts online requests for copies of vital records, including marriage licenses, through the InvoiceCloud e-bills and payments system. When using this system, individuals are charged an additional fee of $1 for standard shipping or $35 for expedited shipping.

Meanwhile, the Pembroke Town Clerk's Office uses the EB2Gov online vital records request service, which charges a $1.75 transaction fee.

How To Search Marriage Records Online?

In addition to VitalCheck, EB2Gov, and online services and systems used by town and county clerk's offices, marriage records in New Hampshire are available online through genealogical and historical societies and third-party data providers.

The New Hampshire Historical Society houses a large collection of vital church and family records as well as town and county histories. Their online databases include marriage records from the late 1700s to the early 1900s. The organization also provides research services to help individuals access marriage information for historical or genealogical purposes.

Third-party data providers like RecordsFinder also hold marriage records extracted from state, municipal, and private sources. Individuals can access basic details such as the bride and groom's names, ages, and birthdates. Comprehensive reports containing current marital status, family members, and previous marriages are also available.

Although these organizations don't provide certified copies, they offer valuable resources for exploring lineages and ancestry and verifying marriage events.

When Can You Access Confidential Marriage Records?

A confidential marriage is a union between two individuals where their nuptial information is not made available to the general public. Legally accepted in other states, this arrangement helps prevent identity theft and protects the privacy of well-known celebrities or same-sex couples.

In New Hampshire, confidential marriages are not legally permitted. However, couples in the state do not need this type of marriage to ensure the privacy of their records.

State law classifies marriage records 50 years old or less as confidential, meaning only the couple and individuals or entities with a direct and tangible interest can access these records.

How Do You Apply for a Marriage License?

Couples wanting to marry in New Hampshire must appear together at any city or town clerk's office to file their marriage intentions, regardless of where they reside. Witnesses are not required when applying for a marriage license. The application fee is $50, payable by cash, check, or credit card.

Both individuals are required to complete a marriage application worksheet and provide all necessary details, including their intended middle and surnames after marriage.

Original documents must be provided, as photocopies or faxes are not accepted. The following are the required documents:

• A certified copy of a birth certificate
• A government-issued photo ID
• A certified copy of the final divorce decree or civil annulment decree if previously married
• A certified copy of legal name change documents, if applicable

The minimum legal age to marry in New Hampshire is 18, with no exceptions or court-issued age waivers. Additionally, as per NH RSA Section 457:2, marriage is prohibited between individuals related by blood as first cousins or closer. Wedding ceremonies must be officiated by an individual authorized under NH RSA Section 457:31.

Once issued, the marriage license remains valid for 90 days and may be used anywhere within New Hampshire. There is no waiting period before the license can be used.

How Do I Correct a Mistake on My Marriage Certificate?

Occasionally, marriage certificates may have missing or incorrect information, such as a spouse's incorrect birthdate, a missing middle name, or an inaccurate marriage date or location.

When such issues occur, individuals can request corrections or updates to the certificate to ensure it accurately reflects the facts. The following information outlines the steps to address these concerns:

• Visit the clerk's office in the town or city where the marriage occurred to apply for correction or completion.
• Complete the appropriate form based on the timing of the marriage. If the marriage occurred more than six months ago, the applicant must complete the notarized "Application for Correcting or Completing a Certificate" (Form VSCr). If the marriage occurred within the last six months and the errors are minor, the "Notification from New Hampshire City/Town Clerk for Altering or Completing the State Certificate or Adding a Legal Change of Name" (Form VSX) should be used instead. These forms are available at the town or county clerk's office.
• Provide two documents as evidence to prove the facts needed to amend the certificate.
• Pay the $10 fee to correct or complete the certificate. If a certified copy of the amended certificate is needed, an additional $15 per copy must be paid.

Are Marriage Records Under the New Hampshire Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) Accessible?

The New Hampshire Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) helps victims of stalking, sexual assault, or domestic violence by preventing their assailants from locating them.

It provides a substitute address that participants can use for government services, such as applying for a marriage license or certificate. They can use this address to receive first-class mail, which is forwarded to their actual, confidential location.

According to NH RSA Section 7:43, both the actual and substitute addresses, along with contact details that may be contained in the participants' marriage records, are confidential and cannot be accessed by anyone. The disclosure of such information would increase their risk of stalking, sexual assault, or domestic violence.

However, if an individual has moved to a new location or plans to move but has already disclosed their actual address or used it for government records, they may no longer be eligible for the program. The ACP cannot protect the confidentiality of records where the new address has already been included.

New Hampshire Marriage Statistics and Trends

Recent statistics show that marriage rates in the U.S. are declining, with 53% of adults aged 18 and older married today, down from 58% in 1995. New Hampshire follows this trend but has unique characteristics.

While fewer people marry in New Hampshire, the divorce rate among women aged 15 and older is much lower than in many other states, standing at 4.3 per 1,000 women.

There are several reasons behind this. One is New Hampshire's higher median income, which provides financial security and supports stronger marriages, especially as women achieve greater economic stability.

The state's emphasis on family values and strong community bonds also encourages couples to overcome challenges. This helps lower divorce rates and promotes long-lasting relationships.

Below are detailed marriage statistics for New Hampshire:

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